The standard error is an estimate of the standard deviation of a statistic. It is a statistical measure of

AThe normal distribution of sample scores around the sample mean

BThe extent to which a sample mean differs from the population mean ✓ Correct

CThe clustering of scores at each end of a survey scale

DThe accuracy of the stratification of the sample

Correct answer: (B) The extent to which a sample mean differs from the population mean

Explanation

The standard error measures the extent to which a sample mean differs from the population mean.

It is not the normal distribution of individual scores around the sample mean.

It does not describe the clustering of scores at the ends of a survey scale.

It is unrelated to the accuracy of how a sample is stratified.

It equals the standard deviation divided by the square root of the sample size.

A larger sample lowers the standard error and sharpens the estimate.

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